Unified Command will decide on AFSPA issue: Antony

Amidst controversy over the issue of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister A K Antony on Friday said that the final decision on it would be taken by the Unified Command Headquarters in the state.

"The CCS last year decided to leave it to the Unified Command to take a decision on partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir," Antony told media persons in New Delhi.

The defence minister was asked to comment on the issue of revocation of AFSPA and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement that he had the authority to withdraw it from the state.

Abdullah had said, "As chief minister of the state, I have the authority to lift AFSPA."

He has been seeking partial withdrawal of AFSPA in areas where militancy has been contained and where the Army does not operate.